Meaning: The quote you provided is attributed to Gustav Krupp, a prominent German industrialist and businessman who played a significant role in the German armament industry during World War II. This quote reflects the clandestine preparations and groundwork undertaken by German industry to support the rearmament of the German Armed Forces in the years leading up to World War II.

During the interwar period, Germany faced severe restrictions on its military capabilities as a result of the Treaty of Versailles, which was imposed after World War I. This treaty imposed strict limitations on the size and scope of the German military, including restrictions on the production and acquisition of military equipment and armaments. However, clandestine efforts were made by influential industrialists such as Gustav Krupp to circumvent these restrictions and lay the groundwork for the rearmament of Germany.

The quote suggests that through years of secretive work, both scientific and foundational groundwork was laid to ensure that the German Armed Forces could be rapidly and effectively supported when the time was right. This implies that despite the limitations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, industrialists like Krupp were actively preparing to resume their collaboration with the military in a covert manner.

Gustav Krupp was the head of the Krupp family, which owned the Krupp firm, a major German industrial conglomerate that was heavily involved in the production of steel, artillery, ammunition, and other armaments. The Krupp firm had a long history of supplying armaments to the German military and had played a significant role in Germany's military buildup prior to World War I. Despite the restrictions imposed on Germany after World War I, Krupp and other industrialists were determined to ensure that Germany would be ready for military expansion when the opportunity arose.

The quote also reflects the close collaboration between the German military and industrialists like Krupp. The phrase "to work the German Armed Forces" suggests a symbiotic relationship between the military and industry, wherein the industrialists were prepared to support the military in its rearmament efforts. This collaboration was essential for the rapid expansion and modernization of the German military machine in the years leading up to World War II.

Krupp's role in the German armaments industry was not without controversy. The Krupp firm was accused of using forced labor, including concentration camp prisoners, during World War II. Gustav Krupp himself was indicted for war crimes but was ultimately deemed unfit to stand trial due to his poor health. The Krupp firm was also a key player in the production of weapons and munitions that were used by the German military during the war.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Gustav Krupp encapsulates the clandestine preparations and collaboration between industry and the military in Germany in the years leading up to World War II. It reflects the determination of industrialists like Krupp to circumvent the restrictions imposed on Germany and lay the groundwork for the rapid rearmament of the German Armed Forces. However, it also raises ethical questions about the role of industry in supporting militarization and the potential use of forced labor in the pursuit of rearmament.